About this opportunity
Near West Theatre lists this Development Director opportunity in cleveland, Ohio. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
The Development Director is a critical member of the administrative team that supports and carries out Near West Theatre’s mission and expands on its almost 50 years of operational strength. The Development Director works with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to build the organization’s capacity in all areas of fund development to solidify fiscal strength.
The Development Director will lead the strategic growth and diversification of contributed revenue at Near West Theatre that advances individual philanthropy, institutional, corporate and government funding, donor stewardship, and long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate is both strategic and relationship-driven, with the ability to build and manage fundraising systems and technology, cultivate meaningful and authentic donor relationships, and translate Near West Theatre’s mission into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
Near West Theatre has a unique identity as an intergenerational community-based theatre where people work side‑by‑side, onstage and off, producing our annual production season and through participation in mission-centric programs and events. NWT provides high quality, innovative, socially relevant movies that are inclusive and accessible with our community. NWT is a founding anchor institution of the Gordon Square Arts District serving the Detroit Shoreway, West Side and Northeast Ohio communities in our state‑of‑the‑art 27,000 square foot, ADA accessible facility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Raise annual operating contributed revenue and cash reserve through new and established fundraising initiatives and campaigns
Manage the annual appeal campaign in coordination with Grants & Data Manager and Marketing Manager
Oversee development and fundraising requests such as foundation and corporate proposals working closely with the Grants & Data Manager
Approve and oversee annual grants and reporting calendar to ensure accurate and timely reports to all funding sources in coordination with Grants & Data Manager
Advise and make recommendations on the contributed income and fundraising expenses for the annual operating budget
Manage and oversee the Near West Theatre annual benefit
Develop and manage the annual calendar of special donor cultivation and stewardship events
Oversee regular maintenance and function of all fundraising systems and technologies
Partner with the Development Committee to advance the fundraising goals of the institution
Assist the Executive Director in facilitating relationships with local, state and federal officials
Serve as a critical fundraising representative of the organization throughout the region
DONOR CULTIVATION AND STEWARDSHIP
Build authentic long‑term, values‑aligned donor relationships rooted in stewardship, trust, and sustained philanthropic engagement
Identify, cultivate and steward prospects through audience development, alumni engagement, community programs, and events
Engage the Board of Trustees and Development Committee to identify new fundraising opportunities and prospects
Develop meaningful and creative opportunities to cultivate and steward donors
Maintain development and acknowledgment policies and procedures in coordination with the Grants & Data Manager
Create and implement a major donor program, working to cultivate and solicit gifts from high‑level donors
Formalize and implement an institutional Planned Giving program
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year‑end gift reconciliation in partnership with the accounting consultant
Serve as liaison to the accounting consultant for income reporting and reconciliations in coordination with Grants & Data Manager
Assist with annual audit preparation and IRS Form 990 documentation
Support grant compliance reviews and internal reporting needs
Maintain organized digital and physical grant and donor records
Partner with Production, Programs, Education, Marketing, and Finance teams to align data and reporting needs
Partner closely with programs and marketing to translate organizational priorities into compelling funding opportunities
Provide database training and ongoing support for staff and board members
Contribute to continuous improvement of systems, workflows, and tools
Participate in cross‑departmental planning meetings
Provide administrative and strategic support the Executive Director as needed
Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Trustees and the Development Committee
Assist the Executive Director in communicating with the Board of Trustees
Serve as a member of the special events team, planning and implementing fundraising and donor‑centered events and programs
Assist in the successful execution of productions and events as needed such as house management, event set up and tear down
Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED SKILLS
5+ years’ experience in major individual, corporate, foundation and government fundraising
Excellence in writing and effective communication skills
Proven experience in partnering with and organizing a diverse, creative group of people to successfully accomplish specific goals within a limited timeframe
Demonstrated skills in the following environments: Windows, Word, Excel (mail merges, etc.), constituent/non‑profit tracking database systems, Constant Contact, email, and social media
Flexibility in schedule to work evenings and weekends when appropriate
Detail‑oriented professional who can plan and implement complex tasks while managing everyday business tasks
Capable of regularly meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced, multi‑project environment
Eagerness to share information and ideas with colleagues to achieve excellent results
Sense of humor and adaptability to maintain a congenial working environment
Highly motivated with the ability to work alone or in collaboration with others
Able to delegate to and collaborate with other staff members and volunteers as needed to ensure successful completion of projects
QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS
Kind, empathetic, and collaborative in maintaining a safe and positive work environment
A proactive self‑starter and creative problem‑solver
An appreciation for social justice initiatives
A desire to make our community and region a better society
Passion for helping guests, patrons, participants, families, and volunteers
A willingness to support other staff and pitch in when someone needs help
Calmness under pressure
A commitment to the values and mission of the organization
A commitment to forwarding organization racial equity goals and commitments
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBLITIES
Development Director supervises the Grants & Data Manager
JOB CLASSIFICATION
This is a Full‑Time, exempt, 40‑hour+ per week position requiring some evenings and weekends. Salary will be commensurate with experience with a considered range of $72,000 - $78,000. In addition, the selected candidate receives medical, dental benefits, and pension contribution after one year. 20 days of paid time off annually, in addition to national holidays and an organization‑wide 2‑week winter break.
PHYSICAL
Must be able to work in an open office environment. Requires the ability to sit and be stationary for prolonged periods of time, normal or corrected vision and manual dexterity sufficient to perform work on a personal computer and other office equipment such as a copy machine and computer printer. Must have reliable transportation and able to attend many offsite meetings and events. Candidates must complete a comprehensive background check.
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Worksite address
cleveland, OH, 44101, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.